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Treating Constipation
Constipation is a common and often uncomfortable problem. Constipation means you have bowel movements fewer than 3 times per week. Or that you strain to pass hard, dry stool. It can last a short time. Or it can be a problem that never seems to go away. The good news is that it can often be treated and controlled.
How often bowel movements occur can vary from person to person. Usually, they range from 2 to 3 per day to 2 to 3 per week. Having a bowel movement every 2 to 3 days is not constipation, as long as it is mostly soft and not difficult or painful to pass.
Eat more fiber
One of the best ways to help treat constipation is to increase your fiber intake. You can do this either through diet or by using fiber supplements. Fiber (in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) adds bulk and absorbs water to make the stool soft. This helps the stool pass through the colon more easily. When you increase your fiber intake, do it slowly to prevent side effects, such as bloating. Also increase the amount of water that you drink. Eating more of these foods can add fiber to your diet:
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High-fiber cereals
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Whole grains, bran, and brown rice
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Vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and greens
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Fresh fruits, especially apples, pears, and dried fruits, such as raisins and apricots
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Nuts and legumes, especially beans, such as lentils, kidney beans, and lima beans
Ask your health care provider how much fiber you need each day. Males, females, and different age groups have different daily fiber needs. Usually, men over the age of 50 should get at least 30 grams of fiber per day. Women over the age of 50 should get at least 21 grams of fiber per day.
Set a good routine
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Go to the bathroom when you feel you need to. Don’t ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
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Set aside time after meals, at the same time each day, to go to the bathroom.
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Do not skip meals.
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Drink 8 to 10 cups (2 to 2.5 L) of liquids, especially water, every day. Do this after you talk to your health care provider.
Get physically active
Exercise helps improve the working of your colon which helps ease constipation. Try to get some physical activity every day. If you haven’t been active for a while, talk with your health care provider before starting again.
Consider other choices
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Laxatives.Your health care provider may suggest an over-the-counter product to help ease your constipation. They may suggest using bulk-forming products or laxatives. Laxatives are common and safe if used as directed. Follow directions carefully when using them.
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Enema.This is a liquid medicine. It flushes stool from the rectum and lower part of the large intestine.
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Talk to your health care provider.Do this for new constipation and to discuss treatments for long-term constipation (fecal impaction and prescription medicines). Your provider can rule out other causes, such as certain medicines or other health conditions. Tell your provider if you have rectal bleeding.
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Pelvic floor training.Biofeedback and pelvic physical therapy (PT) may be helpful. They can help if you have pelvic floor problems that may lead to constipation. For biofeedback, the health care provider puts sensors in and outside your anus. This helps you learn how to find and relax the muscles during a bowel movement so you don't get constipated. With PT, you will learn exercises to help have normal bowel movements and prevent constipation. You may be taught different positions to use to keep from straining during a bowel movement.
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Stop taking certain medicines or dietary supplements.Certain medicines or supplements can cause constipation. Talk with your health care provider. They may change the dose or suggest a different medicine that does not cause constipation. Don’t change or stop any medicine or supplement without talking with your provider.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN Online Medical Reviewer:
Lalitha Kadali Online Medical Reviewer:
Sara Mauldin FNP Date Last Reviewed:
3/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
